A year and a half later, and here we are.
I like to think that I could say just about everything changed about me. And while there are some differences--
I am still that crazy, over bearing, obsessed with writing and fast paced minded girl that left.
But now,
I am prepared & ready to take on this world.
I am still in love with:
Gilmore Girls
Dr. Pepper
Finding new music
Talking to Kelsie
Bugging my mom and dad
Watermelon
Dr. Pepper
Finding new music
Talking to Kelsie
Bugging my mom and dad
Watermelon
Writing
Marilyn Mansell
Blogging
Buying clothes and shoes
Listening to Christmas music way to early
Pocahontas
Snow
War documentaries
Laughing
Driving with my mom
Going to target to buy things I don't need
My family
America
Twizzlers and Watermelon sour patch!
My bed
Country music
Books.
Nieces and Nephews
Denver Nuggets & Broncos
Black and white movies
But now I fell in love with:
BRASIL!
Português
Rice and beans (mostly)
Pao de quejo
Missionary work
Brasilia
My new facebook popularity
Making skirts
A love for soccer
Waking up earlier
Capim dourado
Sertanejo
My new nieces and nephews
High heels
Açai
Weird Fruits
Blaire Hanks
A mission is this crazy thing that I just accomplished. And yes, it truly is a mission. We have a purpose-Invite others to come unto Christ <--click here
We have a daily schedule, rules, companions, leaders--a billion of them.
You can ask me what is the best part,
I will say the endless times I got to see someone change the path of their life, to follow the example and footsteps of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But that would just be the start. It could be the fact that our day is so structured. God is guiding our every move, every word. For the past year and a half, I had Heavenly help surrounding me constantly and pushing me. A blessing to know that in every house we entered, every person we talked to--we were bringing them eternal life. Something about 200 or something young adults, joining together in ONE purpose to do His work, in one state. Thinking that more than, 85,000 youngins doing the same thing--world wide. It gives me those hair raising chills.
Sure, the heat was ridiculous. And I am not going to say there weren't moments that I didn't complain. I made it pretty dang clear that the heat was killing me. The walking for 9 hours, daily. Somedays without sit-down breaks. The door in the face moments, and the hilarious comments made afterwards. Those stupid emergency transfers. I look back at the ups and downs of a year and a half mission, and am starting to see how much it was necessary. Necessary to have the trumps and the triumphs. Necessary to know success and failure, so that I can now say-- I am closer to my Savior, feeling a pinch of what He felt that one night in the Garden.
I know that my Redeemer lives. He died for us, and now lives. My Heavenly Father has a plan for me (and for you) and that plan started way before we came to this earth. His plan is p.e.r.f.e.c.t. And as always, a since the beginning of the world kind of thing, Today we have a living Prophet. The heavens are not shut. God is talking. I believe in that traditional family, woman and man. Because that is the way God intended it. But that doesn't mean I am going to stop loving you. Understand me here! Joseph Smith was the Prophet, called of God to restore His Gospel here on the earth. Yes, the Gospel WAS restored (The 1st vision). Heavenly Father has showed His eternal love once more, establishing His church that was once lost. And, as I did for a year and a half, I invite YOU to put your knees on the ground. If the Lord has answered my prayer, and millions of others, he can and WILL answer yours. Go ahead. Test him out, put your faith to the test and see what the Lord really truly has in store for you.
example:---> "Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to know which Church is the TRUE church. Please help me recognize YOUR church.
I am grateful for all my many blessings.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. " Talk to Him, converse with Him. As we do with our best friends, parents or family members, open your heart and share your secrets, desires, questions and needs with Him.
My heart will forever stay there. Sporadically placed between--
{Guara, Gama, Aguas Claras, Palmas (1!), Paraiso}
God helped me find my lost sister.
Have you met this chick?
Her name is Sister Miranda. No wait, her name is Rayane Miranda! Eu amo ela.
Seriously lets just talk about all the countless nights on the rede--crying, laughing, screaming, gossiping, joking, talking on the phone, sleeping. Or simply, relaxing.
The privilege to live and know her is grand, is proof that Heavenly Father knows his children, knows what they need, and most importantly, who they need. 2 areas and 8 months together. And she knows me better than my dog. The laughs will never end, the jokes will never stop, quotes will be quoted, tears will be shed, advice will be given, and this friendship will forever be eternal.
D&C 130:2
"And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy."
AMERICA.
And now I am here. With y'all. Ready to take on the rest of my life. Taking those life lessons learned, those people that I met, and running. Using everything God gave me is what I will be doing best for the rest. Journalism is still a thing to me. Such a thing that I will pursue it in my education. My family is still center of attention, and eternally will be the winner in any included decision. The plans are quickly changing for me. Rexburg bound--July 20th, with a pit stop to Utah--July 11th. And as stated earlier, I am still your loving, out of control, fast paced, all american, now with a hint of Brasil, Annalee!
Yours truly,
Annalee
